Photo fact: Vitebsk accepted the relay of the youth capital of Belarus

In Vitebsk, a solemn ceremony was held to open the republican festival "Youth Capital of the Republic of Belarus - 2022" and the republican forum "Belarus. Youth. Heritage". During the opening ceremony, Vitebsk took over the honorary baton from Grodno.

During the opening ceremony of the republican festival "Vitebsk - Youth Capital of the Republic of Belarus - 2022", the Chairman of the Grodno City Council of Deputies, Boris Fyodorov, handed over a symbolic key and sign to the Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Nikolai Orlov, noting that this is not an easy burden in all respects.

"While I was traveling to visit you, I crossed Belarus from the western to the eastern border and once again became convinced of what a beautiful, clean, well-kept country we live in. Grodno has completed its stay in the status of the youth capital. We held many different events. Our city is filled with young faces: we have four universities, more than 20 thousand students. The past year, despite all the difficulties and challenges, has shown the increased activity and patriotism of our youth. The idea of the youth capital is more relevant than ever. All over the world, there is a struggle for the minds and souls of the younger generation. And in this struggle, we must, we simply must win. I congratulate Vitebsk on this status, I wish you eventful times and peaceful skies overhead," said Boris Fyodorov.

In turn, Nikolai Orlov assured that Vitebsk would worthily bear the new title and try to justify it. "With this symbolic key, we will try to open new locks that have been closed to us until now, find new opportunities, helpers, and ways to implement youth ideas," the head of the city noted.

The youth festival in Vitebsk has been ongoing for the third day, with over 500 participants. Meetings with speakers, dialogue platforms, master classes in various fields, presentations, excursions, discussions on pressing issues, and experience exchange – the program was very rich and relevant for young people from all regions of our country who came to the new youth capital. And for 10 Vitebsk schoolchildren, the opening ceremony will also be remembered for the fact that the Minister of Education, Andrei Ivants, presented them with passports of citizens of Belarus.